hipolito - Greater Belize Media

Pescador muere ahogado cerca de Moho Caye

Una jornada de pesca frente a las costas de Punta Gorda terminó en tragedia cuando Delmer Wagner, de 62 años, se ahogó en aguas cercanas a Moho Caye el domingo por la tarde.

Según reportes policiales, David Wade, un pescador beliceño, acudió a la estación de policía de Punta Gorda para informar sobre el incidente. Wade relató que se encontraba en un campamento pesquero en Moho Caye junto con Wagner y otros compañeros, cuando el hombre, presuntamente bajo los efectos del alcohol, entró al agua y no volvió a salir.

Horas más tarde, su cuerpo sin vida fue recuperado del mar. La policía informó que el cadáver presentaba algunas abrasiones, aunque aún no está claro cómo se produjeron esas lesiones.

“La autopsia determinará eso; sin embargo, efectivamente se observaron algunas abrasiones en el cuerpo,” señaló la Asistente Superintendente de Policía, Stacy Smith.

El cuerpo fue trasladado al Hospital de Punta Gorda, donde se le practicará un examen post mortem. La policía continúa investigando el caso para esclarecer los detalles del incidente.

Robo armado en Orange Walk a plena luz del día

La policía investiga un audaz robo ocurrido a plena luz del día en Orange Walk, cuando empleados de Triple A Imports fueron interceptados por una camioneta SUV mientras circulaban por la calle Arthur el pasado viernes.

Según los informes, dos hombres enmascarados descendieron del vehículo bloqueador. Uno portaba una pistola y el otro un martillo. Ambos obligaron a los empleados a entregar una suma no revelada de dinero antes de huir en la misma SUV.

La Asistente Superintendente de Policía, Stacy Smith, informó que una persona ha sido detenida en relación con el caso. “No hay indicación en este momento que pueda concluir definitivamente que fue un trabajo interno. Sin embargo, por cómo se desarrolló el incidente, se pueden hacer inferencias en ese sentido,” indicó Smith.

La investigación sigue activa mientras las autoridades tratan de identificar a los responsables y recuperar el dinero robado.

Joven muere en accidente en motocicleta

Un trágico accidente de tránsito en la Carretera Thomas Vincent Ramos cobró la vida de Jeffery Cal, un joven de veinte años originario de la aldea San Isidro. El incidente ocurrió cerca de la milla 45, cuando su motocicleta colisionó con un peatón identificado como Aaron Cal, de diecinueve años.

Ambos resultaron heridos y fueron trasladados de urgencia a la Policlínica Independence. Sin embargo, Jeffery Cal no sobrevivió a las lesiones sufridas.

La Asistente Superintendente de Policía, Stacy Smith, brindó detalles del accidente. “Las investigaciones preliminares revelaron que Aaron Cal caminaba cerca de la milla cuarenta y cinco, dirigiéndose a Bella Vista, cuando fue impactado por una motocicleta conducida por Jeffery Cal,” explicó Smith.

Las autoridades continúan investigando las circunstancias del incidente para determinar si hubo factores adicionales que contribuyeron al fatal desenlace.

NEMO defiende alertas emitidas antes de la inundación

Tras las devastadoras inundaciones que afectaron a comunidades en el Distrito de Orange Walk, muchos residentes se preguntan cómo pudieron haber sido tomados por sorpresa. Sin embargo, la Organización Nacional para el Manejo de Emergencias (NEMO) asegura que sí se emitieron alertas tempranas.

El Coordinador Nacional de Emergencias, Daniel Méndez, explicó que tanto el Servicio Hidrológico Nacional como el Servicio Meteorológico de Belize habían advertido sobre la posibilidad de lluvias excesivas e inundaciones en las áreas afectadas.

“El Servicio Hidrológico Nacional había emitido advertencias, incluida una vigilancia de inundaciones para las áreas afectadas,” indicó Méndez. “El Servicio Meteorológico también proporcionó actualizaciones, pero predecir exactamente dónde ocurrirán estos eventos es extremadamente difícil.”

Méndez reconoció que, aunque los sistemas de alerta funcionaron, cada emergencia representa una oportunidad de mejora. “Reevaluaremos nuestra estrategia y haremos las revisiones necesarias. Como he dicho antes, cada evento sirve como una oportunidad de aprendizaje,” afirmó.

Las autoridades insisten en que es vital que el público preste atención a las alertas oficiales, ya que el cambio climático continúa generando eventos climáticos extremos cada vez más impredecibles.

El Director del Servicio Meteorológico, Ronald Gordon, explicó que fue el sistema del viernes el que trajo la mayor cantidad de lluvia, con precipitaciones concentradas en zonas específicas.

“Tuvimos cantidades muy significativas de lluvia sobre el Distrito de Orange Walk,” detalló Gordon. “En Tower Hill se registraron alrededor de trescientas treinta milímetros de lluvia, equivalentes a unas doce pulgadas. Y en Douglas, un poco más al norte, se registraron casi trece pulgadas.”

Según el funcionario, la mayor parte de esta lluvia cayó entre el viernes y la madrugada del sábado, lo que provocó un rápido aumento del nivel del agua en comunidades como San Pablo, dejando a varias familias damnificadas.

El sistema meteorológico continúa vigilando el desarrollo de nuevos fenómenos climáticos mientras las autoridades evalúan los daños causados por estas lluvias excepcionales.

Inundación repentina deja a familias sin hogar en San Pablo

Más de veinte pulgadas de lluvia cayeron en el Distrito de Orange Walk la semana pasada, provocando inundaciones repentinas que obligaron a varias familias a abandonar sus hogares y buscar refugio. En el poblado de San Pablo, la situación se tornó crítica la noche del viernes, cuando el agua subió con rapidez alarmante.

Algunos residentes se refugiaron en el Centro Comunitario San Pablo, donde hoy intentan recuperarse tras perder casi todo.

Juan Pech, uno de los afectados, relató con angustia el momento en que las aguas inundaron su vivienda. “El agua llegó tan rápido – en un minuto aproximadamente – y de repente, todo estaba inundado. Ni siquiera puedo describir cómo sucedió; fue un shock total,” expresó. “No hubo tiempo de agarrar nada; solo tuvimos que correr hacia un área segura lo más rápido posible. Lo perdí todo.”

Actualmente, Pech y su familia de cinco personas permanecen en el refugio, donde las condiciones son modestas, pero al menos cuentan con un espacio seco para descansar.

El Coordinador Nacional de Emergencias de NEMO, Daniel Méndez, informó que ya se están realizando evaluaciones de daños. “Los equipos están trabajando en las áreas afectadas para determinar las pérdidas,” dijo. “También estamos haciendo visitas de seguimiento para asegurar que las familias reciban alimentos, agua, artículos de higiene y para dormir.”

A medida que continúa la evaluación de daños, se prevé que algunas familias permanecerán en el refugio por un tiempo prolongado. Las autoridades han asegurado que el apoyo se mantendrá mientras sea necesario.

Caye Caulker Village Council Accuses Police of Brutality

The Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC) has issued a firm statement condemning what it describes as a growing pattern of violence and abuse of authority by members of the local police department, particularly targeting the island’s youth. In its press release, the Council expressed solidarity with those who lack the voice or resources to defend themselves and demanded immediate action to address the situation.

According to the Council, the community has witnessed a cycle where young residents are assaulted, beaten, or mistreated by police officers, often without consequence. The Council said that each wave of violence seems to escalate and, in the most tragic instances, has resulted in the death of young men. A similar incident a decade ago, they noted, had already prompted widespread outrage and concern.

The Council urged residents and leaders not to respond to violence with violence but instead to pursue every peaceful and lawful avenue to address the problem. They stressed that officers who serve in Caye Caulker must be committed to de-escalation, accountability, and genuine community protection. “The presence of officers prone to violence and improper conduct cannot be allowed on Caye Caulker,” the release stated.

The Council made it clear that there is no justification for the use of excessive force, especially against unarmed citizens. “The punishment for crimes is loss of freedom, not brutality,” they stated.

The press release also addressed concerns over reports of officers acting unprofessionally, stating that some are behaving no differently than gang members or bullies.

“We must all acknowledge that those tasked to uphold the law are not the law. They are held to the same legal standard every other citizen is held to,” the statement read.

The statement comes after a police officer fatally stabbed Kevin de Paz during a brawl.

BNTU and MOE Kumbaya?

The Ministry of Education and the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) held a high-level meeting on Monday to address ‘pressing matters’ in the education sector. The session, chaired by Education Minister Oscar Requena, lasted from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and was described as cordial and productive.

According to the ministry, discussions focused on improving teacher support, addressing counsellor shortages, resolving delayed salary issues, and enhancing professional development systems.

Two national working groups will be convened on July 11, 2025. The first will propose criteria, terms of reference, and allowances for Heads of Departments at the secondary school level. The second will review and update Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and licensing criteria for teachers.

The Ministry outlined a phased plan to address the staffing needs for school counselors starting in the upcoming academic year. A new Certification Programme for School Counsellors, to be administered through the Teacher Learning Institute (TLI), will also launch at the start of the 2025–2026 academic year. This program will influence licensing and tenure decisions.

The ministry said that compensation for teachers covering additional classes due to shortages will remain at BZ$25 per extra hour. The Ministry and the BNTU also agreed to continue discussions on splitting classes to manage shortages at both the primary and secondary levels.

The Ministry acknowledged its responsibility in delays in teacher license processing and confirmed that it is continuing to process outstanding salary payments for affected teachers.

The MoEST provided updates on the ongoing processing of increments, allowances, appointments, confirmations, and pending salary revisions. The Ministry also shared its plans to digitize these processes for the 2025–2026 school year. These digital systems aim to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and provide real-time feedback for teachers.

As part of its commitment to capacity-building, the MoEST will continue awarding 11 tuition scholarships per cohort for in-service teachers in high-priority subject areas. The BNTU will recommend candidates and provide supporting documentation for these scholarships at local teacher education institutions.

The Ministry praised the BNTU for integrating CPD workshops into its 2025 National Convention. Teachers who participated in those workshops will be able to complete any pending CPD requirements through the TLI during July 2025.

The Ministry also presented a detailed action plan based on the Joint Statement signed in January 2025 by the MoEST, the BNTU, and school managing authorities. Progress updates were shared, and the Ministry proposed that the next Joint Stakeholder Meeting be held at the end of July 2025.

More Details Emerge of Deadly Caye Caulker Brawl

More details have emerged of the fatal fight that occurred in Caye Caulker Village on Monday morning.

News 5 has obtained a copy of the full police report.

According to the report, the deadly fight broke out around 2:30 a.m. in front of Munchies Fast Food on Luciano Reyes Street.

The brawl involved multiple individuals, including 19-year-old Kevin de Paz, 18-year-old Julian Canul, and 25-year-old Neesean Allen. Off-duty police officers PC Darneak Swasey and PC Lionel Urbina were present at the scene and attempted to intervene when the fight escalated.

The situation turned violent when Neesean Allen allegedly turned on PC Swasey and stabbed him in the rear of his left leg. In response, PC Swasey reportedly drew a knife and stabbed Allen in the abdomen. At that point, De Paz allegedly charged at PC Swasey and was fatally stabbed. According to the police report, Canul also rushed at the officer and sustained stab wounds to the neck, chin, and abdomen.

All five injured individuals were rushed to the Caye Caulker Health Clinic. De Paz was pronounced dead at 2:45 a.m.

His body was later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) morgue in Belize City for a post-mortem examination.

Canul and Allen were airlifted to KHMH. Canul remains in stable condition, while Allen is listed as critical.

PC Swasey and PC Urbina, both attached to the Caye Caulker police sub-formation, also sustained injuries. Swasey was stabbed in the leg, and Urbina suffered a cut to the back of his head. Both are in stable condition but have not yet been transferred to KHMH due to tensions on the island.

According to police, emotions are running high among residents and family members who are upset about the handling of the incident.

UDP Infighting Continues as Peyrefitte Faces Resistance

Just days after his return as Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Michael Peyrefitte is facing internal resistance.

Reports reaching News 5 are that resistance has emerged from the Tracy Panton camp, particularly over the terms of Panton’s reinstatement into the party.

In an internal communication obtained by our newsroom, Peyrefitte reportedly expressed frustration over a breakdown in what he believed was a negotiated agreement among key party figures. Writing to Panton directly, he stated, “I came back as Chairman on the assurance … that you, Shyne, Hugo and Alberto had agreed on a path forward.” He continued, “Hugo and Shyne and Alberto are understandably upset because they thought a deal was on the table that would enable the party to end the fighting, with each of those three making serious personal concessions.”

Peyrefitte, who had previously resigned from the post, hinted that the situation has not improved since his return. “We are at a crossroads again and it seems that I have un-resigned only to come back to a situation that is exactly what I didn’t want to come back to,” he wrote.

The reported clash comes amid expectations from Panton and her supporters that she would be automatically reinstated into the UDP, following a recent High Court ruling that challenged the legitimacy of her expulsion. However, Peyrefitte made clear that such a move would require a formal decision by the National Party Council.

Last week, Panton was asked for her thoughts on Peyrefitte returning as chairman. She said, “I support a genuine attempt to bring all relevant parties to the table so we can discuss and come up with a consensual position on a way forward for the United Democratic Party,” she said. “Whatever that configuration is to help us to move past the impasse, I support.”

The UDP is expected to hold a meeting on Wednesday to address the growing discord and determine the next steps in its internal reconciliation process.

Teachers Say Yes to GOB’s Proposal

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has officially accepted the government’s latest salary proposal.

However, union members are making it clear that the fight for deeper systemic reforms is far from over.

In a memo shared with its membership, the BNTU revealed the results of a recently concluded vote on GoB Proposal #3. The offer includes an 8.5% salary adjustment to be delivered in two phases: 4.5% by October 2025 and an additional 4% by October 2026. The government has also committed to reinstating two previously frozen increments in April 2026 and April 2027.

According to the final tally, 75.04% of union members voted in favor of accepting the proposal, while 24.96% voted against.

Despite the clear mandate, the union said that the vote does not signal the end of its advocacy. A second vote asked members whether they were still committed to participating in industrial action, alongside the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), in pursuit of broader reforms. A striking 86.79% said yes, confirming the union’s strong stance on long-standing national issues including:

Income tax reform

Job classification and compensation system overhaul

Anti-corruption measures

Stronger accountability enforcement laws

“It is therefore concluded from these results, that the majority of the BNTU membership have accepted the Government’s third proposal,” the memo stated. “Be advised that this is only the beginning.”

The union described the voting results as a dual mandate: acceptance of the immediate salary deal, and a commitment to push for long-overdue structural change in Belize’s governance and labor systems.

“We fully recognize and appreciate that an even larger majority of our members have registered their willingness to continue your participation in our actions,” the union leadership wrote. “We look forward to your continued engagement moving forward.”